He was a top student in the class, he often got a first in English. Is "a first" correct here?

Question

Answer

A First = First Class Degree (U.K), the top mark awarded for UK degrees. 

The award is given only at the end of the degree, so your sentence is impossible. 

You can say: 

"He often got top marks in English". 

Or... 

"He got a First in English", which means he finished his Bachelor's with a First Class grade.

Answer

He got A's. 
Or - he got excellent marks/grades.

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